Digital content distribution and consumption

ABSTRACT

Digital content distribution and consumption that provides the advantages of digital content being locally stored under user control while concurrently having the widest acceptance by legacy players/platforms (i.e., no need to perform complex software integration) while still remaining compatible with state of the art security in order to satisfy content provider requirements.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application takes priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/018,644 filed on Jan. 2, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. SDK1P048P) entitled “DISTRIBUTED STORAGE SERVICE SYSTEMS AND ARCHITECTURE” by Nochimowski et al., and (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/018,979 filed on Jan. 4, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. SDK1P048P2) entitled “DISTRIBUTED STORAGE SERVICE SYSTEMS AND ARCHITECTURE” by Nochimowski et al., each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

This application is also related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/019,573 entitled DISTRIBUTED STORAGE SERVICE SYSTEMS AND ARCHITECTURE” by Nochimowski et al., filed Jan. 24, 2008, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to digital devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing secure distribution and consumption of digital content.

BACKGROUND

There are at least two different approaches to distributing digital content: content download and content streaming. In general terms content download can be thought of as transferring digital content stored in a first device to a second device in which the transferred digital content is to be stored. Content downloading can encompass both a “push” and a “pull” approach to transferring the digital content from the first device to the second device. For example, digital content stored in the first device can be “pushed” by the first device to the second device in that it is the first device that initiates the transfer of the digital content. Alternatively, digital content stored in the first device can be pulled from the first device to the second device in that it is the second device that initiates the transfer of the digital content from the first device to the second device. Either push or pull can be achieved through regular download (HTTP-based etc.) or through progressive download technologies (i.e., start playing while downloading the content). In any case, once the digital content is received at the second device, the digital content is stored locally and persistently at the second device. In this way, the digital content stored in the second device can be moved from one digital device to another (totally under a user control) and user privacy is preserved (e.g. in the case of adult content) and so on.

However, one drawback lies in the fact that content providers (e.g. Hollywood studios, etc.) require a strong security level to counter pirates' attempts to ‘copy the content’ thereby limiting the content portability. This is typically where Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies intervene with the definition of Rights Objects (RO) aimed at limiting the content usage/copy. DRM ROs are typically linked to a dedicated hardware solution such as TrustedFlash™ memory device manufactured by SanDisk Corporation of Milpitas, Calif. Such hardware solutions allow a user to securely store the ROs on a removable media (e.g. SD storage device), in an attempt to provide true content and RO portability. In practice, however, portability is not achieved because ROs are DRM-scheme dependent and with the absence of a fully adopted DRM standard, full portability becomes limited only to those digital media players (or host platforms) supporting the corresponding DRM technology.

Content streaming can be implemented through a small number of industry standardized protocols (e.g. RTSP/RTP etc.), however, the content can not be persistently stored locally since a user can only access the content if he/she obtains network connectivity to the streaming server. One of the benefits of this approach is the fact that wide content access is ensured to those players compatible with the supported streaming protocol (i.e. most legacy players utilize standard RTSP/RTP). Since content providers have lighter security requirements there is little or no risk of content copying other than ‘sniffing and recording’ content that goes through the streaming interface. This is particularly true in mobile devices where constrained environments and often-closed operating systems constitute significant obstacles to potential pirates which is not the case for personal computers where recording the unprotected streams can be done quite easily through widely available tools.

Such risks can be partly removed by standard service-level protection such as the creation of a secure communication channel through mutual authentication between the streaming client and server (which may or may not be perceived as necessary in mobile systems). However, one of the drawbacks to this approach is the fact that full portability (where the user controls the content purchased) can not be implemented since only connected devices can access the content (since in the absence of connectivity there is no access to the streaming server). Furthermore, this lack of portability restricts available business models. In addition, privacy can be compromised since the service provider knows the user preferences and usage.

Therefore, a method, system, and apparatus that provides a solution for content distribution and consumption that would provide the advantages of the push/pull approach where content can be locally stored under user control while concurrently having the widest acceptance by legacy players/platforms (i.e. no need to perform complex software integration) while still remaining compatible with ‘state of the art security’ in order to satisfy content provider requirements is highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS

According to different embodiments of the present invention, various methods, devices and systems are described for securely distributing and consuming protected digital content are described. In one embodiment, a method of acquiring and consuming protected digital content having at least one restriction attached thereto by a digital content provider in accordance with a DRM scheme is described. The method can be performed by a system that includes a local storage device (LSD) having a memory array where the LSD is coupled with a host device (HD) having at least a host device file system (HDFS) arranged to manage at least a portion of the memory array. The method can be performed by the following operations: acquiring the protected digital content by the LSD, securely storing the acquired protected digital content in the memory array by the LSD, where the acquiring and the securely storing are each in accordance with the DRM scheme and neither are initiated by the HDFS, and consuming the protected digital content. The consuming the protected digital content can be performed by converting at least some of the securely stored protected digital content into a digital data stream, and streaming the digital data stream by the LSD. If the digital data stream has the at least one restriction attached thereto that is a usage restriction, then the LSD enforces the usage restriction.

In another embodiment, computer program product for acquiring and consuming protected digital content having at least one restriction attached thereto by a digital content provider in accordance with a DRM scheme is described. The computer program product can be executed by a processor included in a system that includes a local storage device (LSD) having a memory array, wherein the LSD is coupled with a host device (HD) having at least a host device file system (HDFS) arranged to manage at least a portion of the memory array. The computer program product includes at least computer code for acquiring the protected digital content by the LSD, computer code for securely storing the acquired protected digital content in the memory array by the LSD, where the acquiring and the securely storing are each in accordance with the DRM scheme and neither are initiated by the HDFS, computer code for consuming the protected digital content by converting at least some of the securely stored protected digital content into a digital data stream, and streaming the digital data stream by the LSD, where if the digital data stream has the at least one restriction attached thereto that is a usage restriction, then the LSD enforces the usage restriction, and computer readable medium for storing the computer code.

In still another embodiment, a system for acquiring and consuming protected digital content having at least one restriction attached thereto by a digital content provider in accordance with a DRM scheme is described. The system includes a host device (HD) having at least a host device file system (HDFS), and a local storage device (LSD) coupled with a host device (HD) that includes a memory array at least a portion of which is managed by the HDFS. The LSD acquires and securely stores the protected digital content in the memory array, where the acquiring and the securely storing are each in accordance with the DRM scheme and neither are initiated by the HDFS. The protected digital content is consumed by converting at least some of the securely stored protected digital content into a digital data stream and streaming the digital data stream by the LSD. If the digital data stream has the at least one restriction attached thereto that is a usage restriction, then the LSD enforces the usage restriction.

In yet another embodiment, a computing system is described. The computing system includes a host device (HD) having at least a host device file system and a LSD driver, a local storage device (LSD) having at least one storage area managed by the host device file system (HDFS), and a requesting application external to the LSD and in communication with the HD where the requesting application does not utilize any communication paths with either the HDFS or the LSD driver. The requesting application compels the LSD to read a selected portion of data stored in the at least one storage area without intervention by the HDFS, and the LSD then streams the selected data read from the at least one storage area to an external application.

In one aspect of the invention, if the selected portion of data stored in the at least one storage area is protected digital content having at least one restriction attached thereto by a digital content provider in accordance with a DRM scheme then the LSD streams the protected digital content read from the at least one storage area to the external application by converting the protected digital content read from the at least one storage area into a digital data stream having the at least one restriction attached thereto. If the at least one restriction attached to the digital data stream is a usage restriction, then the LSD enforces the usage restriction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a symbolic representation of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrates a host device/local storage device system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A-3B shows a computing system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a computing system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A-5B show a more detailed view of network shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart detailing a process in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart detailing a process in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a representative media network in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A-B show embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows a representative system illustrating additional components typically found in host device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to a particular embodiment of the invention an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the particular embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The invention can pertain to an electronic system that includes a memory device. Memory devices (i.e., memory cards) are commonly used to store digital data for use with various electronics products. The memory device can be more or less permanently affixed to the electronic system or can be removable from the electronic system so the stored digital data is portable. The memory devices according to the invention can have a relatively small form factor and be used to store digital data for electronics products that acquire data, such as cameras, hand-held or notebook computers, network cards, network appliances, set-top boxes, hand-held or other small media (e.g., audio) players/recorders (e.g., MP3 devices), and medical monitors.

A method, system, and apparatus that provides a solution for secure distribution and consumption of protected digital content that provides at least the advantages of the push/pull approach to content distribution is described. In the context of this discussion, ‘protected digital content’ refers to digital content having restrictions such as usage and access restrictions imposed by content providers. For example usage restrictions can include, for example, playing content only a specific number of times or for a particular length of time as well as preventing unauthorized copying. Access restrictions can limit access to protected digital content to only those entities with appropriate access credentials. Protected digital content can cover any relevant configuration depending on the particular DRM scheme so as to retain all restrictions imposed by content providers. Protected content received at the LSD can include the content only or a protected piece of content and any associated Rights Objects (ROs) referred to as ‘combined delivery’, or the ROs referred to as ‘separate delivery’ if the corresponding protected piece of content is already stored in the LSD.

The invention can be described in terms of a computing system that includes a host device (HD) having a host device file system (HDFS) and a local storage device (LSD) having a mass storage memory array controlled by a memory controller. In the embodiments described herein, the HDFS manages the mass storage memory array by way of a mass storage path that includes a LSD driver. In some cases, the memory array can have pre-loaded digital content stored therein. By pre-loaded digital content, it is meant digital content stored in the memory array by a manufacturer, OEM, or any content provider. Such pre-loaded digital content can include media items such as songs, music, and/or video that can also include both protected and unprotected pre-loaded media items. Whether or not the memory array contains pre-loaded digital content, the LSD can acquire digital content from a digital content server where the acquiring is invisible to the HDFS. However, in some cases it may be desirable for the LSD to not be able to store digital content received or not be able to receive digital content at all from the digital content server if the memory array has pre-loaded digital content stored therein. This situation can include, for example, when a content originator has pre-loaded digital content (such as proprietary content that includes music, songs, and so on) in the memory array and does not want additional content (not associated with the proprietary digital content) stored in the LSD. In these cases, the LSD can be precluded from acquiring any digital content or can be precluded from storing digital content in the memory array but can still nonetheless stream the pre-loaded digital content from the memory array.

In any case, whenever digital content is acquired by the LSD, the acquiring is invisible to the HDFS and more generally, the acquiring is invisible to a mass storage path. The LSD can securely store the acquired protected digital content in the memory array in any number of ways. In some cases, there may occur some transformation of the protected digital content received at the LSD. For example, Rights Objects (ROs) can be stored in an unencrypted form (i.e., “in the clear) in a HDFS-invisible portion of the memory array while the corresponding digital content can be stored in the portion of the array visible to the HDFS. Alternatively, the ROs can be stored in a portion of the memory array that is visible to the HDFS albeit in an encrypted form. In any case, the digital content can be securely stored locally under user control within the usage restrictions retained by the digital content. In addition, there is no need to add or integrate additional DRM software in the mass storage path in the HD thereby maintaining compatibility with state of the art security thereby satisfying content provider requirements. Once stored in the memory array, the LSD can stream all or some (such as when a user selects a particular media item to play, for example) of the digital content from the memory array.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-10. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. It should be noted that it is contemplated that the invention can be used for any type of local data storage devices that can include non-volatile memory such as Multi Media Card (MMC) and Secure Digital Card (SD).

FIG. 1 shows a symbolic representation of master device/slave system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that master/slave is a model for a communication protocol where one device or process has unidirectional control over one or more other devices. Once a master/slave relationship between devices or processes is established, the direction of control is always from the master to the slaves. In some systems a master is elected from a group of eligible devices with the other devices acting in the role of slaves. Accordingly, master/slave system 100 (hereinafter referred to simply as system 100) includes master device 102 and slave device 104 that relate to each other, in part, by way of conventional master/slave paradigm 106. It should also be noted that slave device 104 has no interface to any device external to master device 102 other than that provided by master device 102.

Master device 102 can operate a number of master device processes 108. By master device process it is meant a process executed solely for the benefit of the master device. Such master device processes can include any number and type of processes such as, for example, a fetch instruction command useful in providing master device 102 with an executable instruction. Master device processes 108 can include master device processes 110, 112, and 114 each of which can be executed by processing unit 116. Any of the processes 110, 112 or 114 can request service from slave device services 118. Process 110, for example, can request service from slave device service 118 by generating master device request 120. Slave device service 118 can respond to master device request 120 with slave service response 122. For example, master device request 120 can take the form of a READ command and requested slave service response 122 can take the form of DATA. However, within the confines of master/slave paradigm 106, slave device 104 can not prompt nor in any manner cause master device 102 to execute any process outside of master device processes 108. In other words, within the context of conventional master/slave paradigm 106, master device 102 can only execute at least one of the master device processes 108.

In the described embodiment, slave device 104 can prompt processor 116 to execute requested process 124 for the benefit of slave device 102. In this way, requested process 124 can be executed by processor 116 and yet can be totally independent of and unrelated to any of the master device processes 108. Slave device 104 can include slave device agent 126 that can associate slave device process 128 with slave device logical request 130. Master device 102 can include master device agent 132 in communication with processor 116 and slave device 104 by way of slave device logical request 130. In this way, master device agent 132 can use slave device logical request 130 to prompt processor 116 to execute requested slave device process 124. In this way, a logical request generated by a slave device can be converted into a master device provided physical response unrelated to and independent of any master device initiated process.

The invention will now be described in terms of more specific embodiments all of which are in keeping with the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be noted that any functional blocks or functional arrangements described herein can be implemented as either a physical entity or as a logical entity, or as a combination of both.

FIG. 2A shows a computing system 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. System 200 can include slave device 104 that can take the form of local storage device (LSD) 204. LSD 204 can take the form of removable memory devices such as a memory card having a relatively small form factor and can be used to store digital data for electronics products such as cameras, hand-held or notebook computers, network cards, network appliances, set-top boxes, hand-held or other small audio players/recorders (e.g., MP3 devices), and medical monitors. Examples of a memory card include PC Card (formerly PCMCIA device), Flash card (e.g., Compact Flash Type I and II), Secure Digital (SD) card, Multimedia card (MMC), ATA card (e.g., Compact Flash card), memory stick, SmartMedia card. In addition, LSD 204 can take the form of non-removable memory devices such as SD compatible iNAND™ embedded Flash drive manufactured by SanDisk Corporation of Milpitas, Calif.

LSD 204 can communicate with master device 102 in the form of host device (HD) 202 by way of HD/LSD interface 206. It should be noted that HD/LSD 206 can be configured as a mechanical entity (such as a socket or interconnecting bus) into which HD 202 and LSD 204 can mechanically connect. In some embodiments, HD/LSD 206 can take the form of a wireless interface. Since HD 202 is a master device, HD 202 includes a processor. However, for the sake of clarity, the processor included in HD 202 is neither shown nor mentioned further in this discussion but is, nonetheless, presumed to be present. LSD 204 can be physically connected exclusively to HD 202 and therefore cannot access or otherwise communicate with circuits and/or applications external to computing system 200 without intervention by HD 202. Typically, LSD 204 does not utilize any interface to a device external to HD 202 other than that interface provided by the HD 202.

HD 202 includes host device file system (HDFS) 208 in communication with LSD driver 210. In the described embodiment, HDFS 208 can issue LSD management command 212 to LSD 204 using the mass storage path in HD 202 that can include HDFS 208 and LSD driver 210. LSD driver 210 can, in turn, pass LSD management command 212 (appropriately formatted) to LSD 204 by way of HD/LSD interface 206. For example, LSD management command 212 can take the form of a block command in those cases where LSD 204 is configured to include a data storage array having logical block address (LBA) architecture. HD 202 can also include (internal) software application 214. By internal application it is meant that software application 214 can utilize HDFS 208 and LSD driver 210 to communicate with LSD 204. Such software applications can include host device operating system (HDOS) 216 and application 218 each of which typically resides in host device main memory (that can take the form of a hard disk drive, or HDD, as well as non-volatile memory such as FLASH memory).

In the described embodiment, software application 214 can utilize HDFS 208 and LSD driver 210 to communicate with LSD 204 and is therefore “visible” to HDFS 208. In contrast to application 214, however, external application 220 (referred to hereinafter as target application) does not utilize any communication path between target application 220 and either HDFS 208 and LSD driver 210 to communicate with LSD 204 and is therefore not “visible” to HDFS 208. In the described embodiment, target application 220 can reside in any number of locations and devices, either locally or remotely. Such locations and devices can include, for example, HD 202 (having local application 220-1), or any device external to HD 202 and LSD 204 but still within system 200 such as external device 222 (having local application 220-2). In the described embodiment, external device 222 can take the form of a second LSD 222 coupled by way of interface 223 to HD 202. Moreover, such locations and devices can also include device 224 (having remote application 220-3) that is external to system 200 included in network 226 in communication with HD 202 by way network link 228 at network interface 230. In this way, a communication channel using network link 228 can be established between external device 224 and HD 202 through which information 232 can pass.

HD 202 can communicate with network 226 by way of network interface 230. In the described embodiment network interface 230 facilitates communication between HD 202 and network 226 by way of network link 228. For example if network 226 is an IP protocol type network, then network interface 230 can establish an IP protocol based network link 228 (such as a URL) between, for example, application 218 and any network device (ND) 224 included in network 226. It should be noted that network interface 230 can be physically located anywhere deemed appropriate. For example, network interface 230 can be incorporated into HD 202. However, network interface 230 can also be located in any physical location not included in HD 202 (or system 200) but still be utilized by HD 202 to establish the appropriate network link 228 with network 226. Network interface 230 is therefore not limited to being physically incorporated within or in close proximity to HD 202.

Master device agent 132 can take the form of host device agent 234 that provides in addition to the functions described above with regards to master device agent 124, at least a bridging functionality between storage services provided by LSD 204 and any available external resources. In the described implementation, host device agent 234 can be used to identify a LSD logical request by any means appropriate (such as polling or interrupts described below in more detail). Moreover, host device agent 234 can be configured to route and/or maintain a communication path to/from a target application once established by same. Furthermore, host device agent 234 can be application neutral so as to serve any type of target application.

LSD 204 can include controller 236 and mass storage array 238 having first storage array 240 and second storage array 242. It should be noted that storage array 238 can be formed of an array of memory cells (such as FLASH). In this particular case, even though mass storage array 238 can be presumed to be an array of FLASH memory cells, the invention is not limited to only FLASH type memory cells since it is contemplated that the invention can be used with any appropriate type of memory cell. Controller 236 includes file manager 243 that can manage first storage array 240 within host/LSD paradigm 106 (i.e., acting at the behest of HDFS 208). In a particularly useful arrangement, first storage area 240 can be a LBA based mass storage array. In this way, first storage array 240 is compatible with legacy installed base. Accordingly, the location of blocks of data stored in first storage area 240 can be specified using logical block addressing (LBA) where each block can be, for example, on the order of 512 or 1024 bytes each. In this way, first storage area 240 can be fully backward compatible with any contemplated legacy mass storage architectures (i.e. able to work in conjunction with legacy hosts) and more specifically LBA type systems. In particular, LSD 204 (in particular, first storage area 240) can operate under standard LBA architecture using legacy interfaces, busses, and all associated protocols providing for full compatibility with installed base of legacy products.

Controller 236 can also include LSD agent 244 that can act as a bridge (described below) between first storage area 240 and second storage area 242 using interface 246. LSD agent 244 can also manage a network stack/interface 248 that provides a mechanism for internal LSD applications 250 to communicate with external devices and/or target applications using standard protocols (such as Internet Protocol, or IP) and any available network resources by way of LSD interface 252. In particular, LSD 204 can translate any network communication (such as LSD logical request 130) into a standard format (such as physical bus-based format) so as to enable host device agent 234 to execute instructions (such as a message fetch) in a manner appropriate to an LBA based implementation of HD/LSD interface 206. In this way, any fetched message, for example, can be successfully conveyed over network link 228 created between host device agent 234 and remote application 220-3 (or a local communication path between local applications 220-1 or 220-2 and LSD 204). In this regard, network stack/interface 248 can be considered to be part of LSD agent 244. LSD agent 244 also can provide authentication and security services to LSD application 250 as well as manage any incoming service requests.

Either the first storage area 240 or second storage area 242 (or both) can be partitioned into separate internal regions. These partitioned regions can each be acted upon so that they can interact with each other and/or circuits and/or software applications external to LSD 204 in any appropriate manner. Such external circuitry can include for example, HD 202 (that includes all components therein, such as host file system 208), LSD 222, or any of a number of external devices included in network 226 such as ND 224.

Second storage area 242 can be partitioned to include region 254. In the described embodiment, region 254 can be configured to be “invisible” to HDFS 208 and as such can be designated as covert storage area (CSA) 254. In this way, any data content or changes to data content of CSA 254 cannot be detected by HDFS 208 (unless notified of such). However, HDFS 208 can be notified of any such data content or data content changes. For example, as described in more detail below, any circuit or software application not in communication with HDFS 208 (such as remote application 220-3 residing in ND 224, local application 220-1 in HD 202, and local application 220-2 in LSD 222), can prompt HD 202 to establish communication path 256 between itself and CSA 254 without being visible by HDFS 208. Conversely, LSD 204 can prompt HD 202 to establish communication path 256 between LSD 204 and any designated application 220. Once established, however, information (such as information 232, information 258, and information 260) can be passed without further intervention by HD 202 (except for any intervention related to the passing of data, such as data packet routing) and also being invisible to HDFS 208. In some cases, however, CSA 254 can provide notification to HDFS 208 of any such changes.

First storage area 240 can be partitioned to include region 260. In the described embodiment, region 260 can be fully accessible to HDFS 208 or any other appropriate external circuit so long as the communication is mediated by HDFS 208 (using, for example, LBA based commands as described in some detail above in some embodiments). Therefore, region 260 can be designated as host storage area (HSA) 260 in keeping with the fact that host device file system 208 manages HSA 260. In one aspect of the invention, CSA 254 and HSA 260 can communicate with each other by way of interface 246 that is independent of HDFS 208. In the described embodiment, as part of LSD agent 244, interface 246 can bridge first storage area 240 and second storage area 242. LSD agent 244 can include an internal file management system (e.g. LSD FS) that can read, for example, a file allocation table (FAT) managed by HDFS 208. LSD agent 244 can also write to/from CSA 254 to HSA 260 using, for example, a placeholder file having dummy content. In this way, CSA 254 and HSA 260 can communicate with each other over communication path 262 unseen by HDFS 208. In some cases, all (or only portions) of CSA 254 and/or HSA 260 can be designated as protected portions 264 and 266, respectively. By protected it is meant that HDFS 208 can not gain access to these protected regions unless authorized. Such authorization can be provided by a device external to computing system 200 such as, for example, an authorization server. As described above, LSD 204 can prompt HD 202 to execute requested process 124 for the benefit of LSD 204. It should be noted that even in those cases where a host command (e.g. read/write) triggers the generation of LSD logical request 130, LSD logical request 130 does not serve the host command.

In this way, requested process 124 can be totally independent of and unrelated to any of the host device processes 108. In particular, LSD 204 can prompt HD 202 to, for example, establish network link 228 and/or establish communication path 256 to either local applications 220-1 and/or 220-2 all without being visible to HDFS 208. However, once requested process 124 has been executed (i.e., the appropriate communication path established, for example) any further intervention by HD 202 is unnecessary (except for any routing or other housekeeping functions). HD 202 can be prompted by LSD 204 to execute LSD logical request 130 in a number of ways.

In some cases it can be desirable for LSD 204 to indirectly prompt HD 202 to execute a requested process. By indirect it is meant that LSD 204 uses an intermediary agent separate and distinct from HD agent 234 to prompt HD 202 to execute the requested process. Indirect prompting of a requested process can be illustrated with reference to computing system 270 of FIG. 2B. As shown, agent 244 in LSD 204 can prompt HD 202 to establish communication path 272 between agent 244 and target application 274 (also referred to as a launching application) using LSD logical request 130. It should be noted that launching application 274 can be located locally or remotely. For example, agent 244 can reside in LSD 204 whereas launching application 274 can reside in ND 224 in which case HD 202 uses network interface 230 to establish communication path 272 (i.e., analogous to network link 228). Alternatively, launching agent 274 can reside in external device 222 or within HD 202 in which case communication path 272 would be analogous to local communication path 256.

In any case, once communication path 272 has been established, agent 244 can logically interact with launching application 274 over communication path 272 without further intervention by HD 202 (except to maintain communication path 272). As part of this logical interaction, agent 244 can pass triggering command 276 to launching application 274. Launching application 274 can respond to triggering command 276 by prompting HD 202 to execute requested process 278 by sending command 280. HD 202 can then execute requested process 278. Requested process 278 can point back to agent 244. In this way, agent 244 and requested process 278 can logically interact.

A particularly useful embodiment of this aspect of the invention is realized in those situations where it would be desirable for LSD 204 to logically interact with a user. A particular implementation of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 2C where launching application 274 can reside in external device 222 (it should be noted, however, that as described above, launching application 274 can reside remotely or locally). In this example, external device 222 can take the form of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card 222. As well known in the art SIM card 222 can be used for mobile cellular telephony devices such as mobile computers and mobile phones. A SIM card can securely store the service subscriber key (IMSI) used to identify a subscriber. Moreover, the SIM card allows a user to change phones (or other broadband communication device) while conserving its subscription by simply removing the SIM card from one mobile phone and inserting it into another mobile phone or broadband telephony device. In this example, SIM card 222 is compliant with the SIM Application Toolkit (STK) set of commands that allows SIM card 222 to proactively launch a process on HD 202 (which can take the form of a cell phone, for example). The STK set of commands includes instructions programmed into the SIM card which define how the SIM card should interact directly with the outside world and initiates commands independently of the handset and the network. This enables the SIM card to build up an interactive exchange between a network application and an end user and access or control access to the network. The SIM card also gives commands to the handset, such as display menu and requests user input.

Accordingly, one approach that LSD 102 can use to establish a direct communication path and therefore interact with an end user can be implemented as follows. Agent 244 can prompt HD 202 to establish communication path 272 to SIM card 222 arranged to proactively prompt HD 202 to execute a requested process on HD 202 using launching application 274. It should be noted that with an ISO interface-based SIM card, communication path 272 can be established using BIP (Bearer Independent Protocol) on the SIM-side. However, with a USB interface-based SIM card, communication path 272 can be established using the Ethernet Emulation (EEM) class on the SIM-side.

In this case, SIM card 222 can be STK compliant SIM card 222. However, as noted below, the invention is not limited to a particular communication technology or network type. In any case, agent 244 can trigger STK compliant SIM card 222 (using launching application 274) to prompt HD 202 to execute requested process 278 that can take, for example, the form of browser application 278. In the described embodiment, browser application 278 points to agent 244 (and LSD 204). Browser application 278 can cause user interface (UI) 280 to be displayed on display unit 282, for example. UI 280 can receive user input 284 at icon 286. In this way, UI 280 and agent 244 can logically interact thereby providing LSD 204 direct access to UI 280 and a user that provides user input 284. In some cases, it may be necessary for SIM 222 to act as intermediary between browser 278 and LSD 204. In any case, LSD 204 and UI 289 can logically interact without intervention by HD 202 (except that HD 202 executes browser 278 and provides the appropriate housekeeping duties with regards to maintaining the various communication paths).

For example, UI 280 can receive user input 284. User input 284 can be processed as, for example, user selection event 288 by browser application 278. Since browser application 278 can point to agent 244, agent 244 can, as part of the logical interaction between browser application 278 and agent 244, receive user selection event 288 without intervention by HD 202 (except that HD 202 maintains the various communication paths and executes browser application 278). In much the same way, agent 244 can pass information to a user using UI 280 or display unit 282 by way of the logical interaction. Such information can include, for example, current state of LSD 204, listings of selected stored content, etc.

It should be noted that depending upon the network and corresponding technology, the SIM card can be referred to in any number of ways. For example, in 3G type networks, the SIM card is referred to as USIM card. Therefore, reference would be made for USIM Application Toolkit, or USAT. In any case, the invention can be used in any network and corresponding technology (STK, USAT, etc.).

FIG. 3A illustrates a polling scheme 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. HD 202 can poll LSD 204 by sending polling signal (PS) 302 to LSD 204 that is intercepted by LSD agent 244. In the described embodiment, LSD agent 244 can include logical request generator 304 that responds to PS 302 by generating LSD logical request 130. Logical request generator 304 subsequently forwards LSD logical request back to host device agent 234. It should be noted that the described polling process is not conditional upon the need or expectation of HD 202 for a specific response from LSD 204. In this way, LSD 204 can at any time prompt HD 204 to execute requested process 124 by simply responding to polling signal 302 with LSD logical request 130. In the described embodiment, LSD logical request 130 includes command information that can prompt HD 202 execute LSD requested process 124. It should be noted that command information can include data such as a command code indicative of a particular operation to be completed by HD 202 (such as setting up communication channel 256).

The command information can also include device information such as target device identification (ID), target device location (IP address, for example), etc. In some cases, however, neither LSD 204 nor HD 202 has sufficient information at hand to complete a required task. For example, LSD 204 can provide command information indicating a particular operation but lacks a particular target device ID or target device location. In these situations, it may be possible to utilize a discovery server computer that can be queried by LSD 204 by way of network link 238, for example, in order to obtain the missing yet necessary information. For example, LSD 204 can initiate a storage operation on a target storage device simply by responding to PS 302 at any time with LSD logical request 130. LSD logical request 130 can include a command with instructions for HD 202 to establish a communication channel between LSD 204 and the target storage device. It should be noted that the target storage device can be in any location so long as HD 202 can establish an appropriate communication channel. For example, if the target storage device is ND 224 in network 226, then HD 202 can respond to LSD logical request 130 by establishing network link 228 between network interface 230 and the ND 224.

Another mechanism by which LSD 204 can prompt HD 202 to execute requested process 124 is described in terms of a LSD generated interrupt illustrated in FIG. 3B. LSD 204 can prompt HD 202 to execute requested process 124 by using LSD interrupt associator 402 to associate LSD logical request 130 received from LSD logical request generator 304 with LSD generated interrupt 404. Once LSD logical request 130 has been associated with LSD interrupt 404, LSD 204 raises interrupt 404 to the attention of HD 202. HD 202 responds to logical request 130 associated with LSD interrupt 404 by executing requested process 124.

LSD 204 can also direct HD 202 to establish communication with other local storage device(s) such as second LSD 222. For example, computing system 200 can be a portable media player (in which case LSD 204 stores various digital media files such as audio files in the form of MP3) that can be coupled to a personal computer in order to, for example, synchronize media files between second LSD 222 and LSD 204. In this example, LSD 204 can initiate an appropriate synchronization operation whereby data content between both LSD 222 and LSD 204 are compared and updated invisible to HDFS 208.

In another example, LSD 204 can perform any number of operations, generate a result and based upon that result, generate an associated logical request. The logical request can then be used by LSD 204 to prompt HD 204 to execute an appropriate LSD process. For example, LSD 204 can perform a detection of a set of LSD parameters operation. In the described embodiment, the set of LSD parameters detected can include parameter such as a data content back-up parameter, a data content parameter (such as a file size, a file type, a file name, and a file keyword), a logical storage parameter (such as a remaining capacity, and a LSD IP address, if appropriate), a physical storage parameter (such as a wear level, a number of bad blocks, a number of bit flips), a violation of rules parameter, and a host device IP address. Once LSD 204 has completed the detection operation, a detection operation result is generated. It should be noted that in some cases, the result generated is a NULL result in that the detected parameters fall within a set of rules governing the operation of the LSD. However, in other cases, the result generated can be associated with LSD logical request 130 as detection logical request 130 that can prompt HD 202 to establish a communication path to a target application. Such target applications can include local applications 220-1, 220-2 or remote application 220-3. It should be noted that in the case of local applications 220-1 and 220-2, the communication path is referred to as a local communication path. Once such a communication path has been established, LSD 204 and target application 220 can logically interact in order to perform a requested detection process. It should be noted that once the communication path has been established, no further intervention by HD 202 is required except for maintaining the communication path and any other housekeeping duties. The requested detection process can include a content backup process, a content sharing process, an event notification process, a request for a remote instruction process, a request for usage/access right process, a registration to a remote server process.

In one embodiment, LSD 204 associates the detection logical request with the polling by the host device. In other embodiments, however, LSD 204 associates the detection logical request with a LSD interrupt and raises the LSD interrupt to the attention of HD 202. In either case, HD 202 can be prompted to execute the appropriate requested detection process.

It should be noted that the invention is essentially symmetric in that any circuit or software application external to LSD 204 and/or system 200 can target LSD 204 using HD 204 as a mechanism to establish a communication path between the requesting device and target device, LSD 204. In this way, LSD 204 can respond to requests (such as provide current status information, current capacity, etc.) that originate from external circuits or external software applications. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a situation whereby remote application 220-3 compels first storage area 240 to perform any of a number of storage operations independent of HDFS 208. For example, external application 220-3 can write data to storage area 240 by writing data to a pre-established proxy file 450 (also referred to as a placeholder file) that is visible and therefore manageable by host device file system (HDFS) 208. However, any data content included in placeholder file 450 can be considered “dummy” data in that placeholder file 450 is merely a part of the mechanism whereby remote application 220-3 can access/change data within proxy file without being “seen” by HDFS 208 (unless notified).

For example, external application 220-3 can write data 454 to placeholder file 450 without intervention of HDFS 208 by forwarding data 454 to be written to placeholder file 450. In one implementation, data 454 can be sent directly to placeholder file 450 or use CSA 254 as a cache to buffer selected portions of data 454. When CSA 254 is used to cache data 454, data 454 is passed to placeholder file 450 by way of communication path 256 without intervention by HD 202 (except for the establishing communication path 256). In this way, remote application 220-3 (or any external application 220 for that matter) can write data to placeholder file 450 or can stream data 454 from placeholder file 450 without intervention by HDFS 208.

For example, LSD 204 can perform a detection operation that determines that the available storage capacity of first storage array 240 is less than a predetermined amount. Based upon that result, LSD logical request generator 340 can generate a LSD detection logical request 130 that prompts HD 202 to establish communication path 228 between LSD 204 and remote application 220-3. Once communication path 228 has been established, HD 202 can have no intervention since HD 202 is now assuming a role commensurate to a modem, router, or other such device used to route data packets, for example. Once remote application 220-3 and LSD 204 are linked by way of communication path 228, LSD 204 and remote application 220-3 can logically interact over communication path 228. For example, LSD 204 can forward results of the detection operation to remote application 220-3. Remote application 220-3 can respond by pushing (writing) data 454 (in the form of a user notification, advertisement, etc.) to placeholder file 452. Once data 454 is stored in placeholder file 452, data 454 is now visible to HDFS 208 and can be processed by HD 202 in any number of ways. For example, data 454 can be used by HD 204 to display a notification that additional storage capacity is required and even suggest a product to purchase and where it can be purchased and for what price.

FIG. 5A shows a more detailed view of network 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, network 500 is one embodiment of network 226 shown in FIG. 3. In particular, network 500 is shown to include server computer 502 coupled to computing system 200 by way of distributed communication channels. Such distributed communication channels can include wireless communications (WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) as well as wired communications, etc. In the described embodiment, server computer 502 includes server component 504 that provides, in part, some clear and well defined interfaces, using, for example, standard Web technology e.g. HTTP/SOAP-based Web Services to developers and other users. In the described embodiment, server component 504 that can provide at least authorization and authentication services whenever a secure channel between a remote application and LSD 204, for example, is required. In this way, an efficient guard against possible network-originated attacks, spywares, malwares etc. can be provided. Furthermore, privacy protection, in order to ensure the end user content usage cannot be tracked by unauthorized third party, optimized communication protocol with the storage device possibly using some compression techniques and the server computer can also include broadcast and/or multicast capabilities. Device registration module 506 and/or discovery services module 508 can be included in or coupled to server computer 502.

Device registration module 506 and discovery services module 508 provide, respectively, a registration service and discovery service. By registration service it is meant that any device included in, added to, or removed from network 226 that is registered to device registration module 506 has associated registration data updated consistent with a current status of the corresponding device. Such registration data can include device type, device location (IP address if the network is an IP protocol based network), etc.

In one embodiment, registration data associated with a device (or software application) can be updated by registration module 506 in a number of different ways. One approach relies upon the registration module 506 being notified that a device status has changed (i.e., the device has been added, removed, or has moved location within network 226, etc.). In some aspects of the invention, in order to preserve processing resources as well as network bandwidth, not all changes are considered of sufficient interest to notify registration module 506. However, in those situations when a device status change has occurred and notice is warranted, registration module 506 can be notified of the status change by registration module 506 continually pinging all devices included in network 226 and requesting each device return current status information. Any status information that has changed with regards to a previous device status and that has been determined to represent a notifiable status change will invoke a notice event at device registration module 506.

In response to the notice event, registration module 506 can request that the device having the changed status forward current device status information to registration module 506. Once received by registration module 506, the status information associated with the device can be updated at registration module 506 and forwarded to discovery server 508. Another approach can have device registration module 506 taking on a more passive approach in that each device can forward its particular current status to device registration module 506 whenever a change in status has occurred. Again, in order to preserve computing resources and network bandwidth some aspects of the invention only provide for reporting only certain status changes and not all status changes.

In any case, once current status information has been received and appropriately processed, registration module 506 can forward the current status information to discovery services module 508 where it can be stored to provide subsequent discovery services to requesting devices and or software application. Such information can include any information related to any device included in network 324 in order to facilitate, for example, establishing a communication channel between the requesting device (including software applications, if any) and target device or target applications.

Still referring to FIG. 5A., if LSD 222 has not been previously coupled with HD 204 but at some point LSD 222 is coupled to HD 204 by inserting LSD 204 into interface 223 (for example, inserting a Secure Digital (SD) card into a portable computer, digital camera in communication with a network, etc.) then LSD 222 can, in one aspect of the invention, notify device registration service 506 that it has joined network 226. In yet another aspect of the invention, however, device registration service 506 can actively determine that LSD 222 has entered network 226 by, for example, pinging computing system 200 and determining that a notifiable change has occurred.

In the case where LSD 222 actively notifies device registration service 506 of a change in status (which in this case is that LSD 222 has been added to network 226), LSD 222 can request HD 202 to establish a communication channel between LSD 222 and device registration service 506 that includes network link 228 from HD 202 to network 226 and communication channel 510 from network 226 to registration service 506, using at least one of the mechanisms described above. It should be noted that if LSD 204 does not know the location of device registration service 506, then either HD 202 will provide the location as a default location or network services will automatically direct status changes to a predefined location.

Once communication between LSD 204 and registration service has been established, then device registration service 506 can update (either passively or actively) the current status of LSD 222 (where the current status of LSD 222 is either pushed by LSD 222 or pulled by registration server 506). Once updated, device registration service 506 can then forward the current status of LSD 222 to discovery services module 508 where it is stored for subsequent retrieval whenever a remote device targets LSD 222. It should be noted that registration information can include any relevant information related to the device. Such relevant information (in the case of a data storage device) can include logical storage device parameters (remaining available storage capacity, device IP address, available storage applications on the device, firmware version and characteristics, etc.) that are more of a fixed characteristic of the device. Such information can also include more transitory information such as currently available data storage capacity, quality of stored data, location of device, etc. as well as data content parameters that can include a file size, a file type, a file name, and a file keyword.

Once discovery service 508 has been updated, discovery service 508 can provide requested discovery information to any requesting device (or software application) about any target device (or target software application) having data stored therein. For example, remote computing device 510 having remote host device 512 coupled with remote storage device 514, can remotely invoke a storage operation on a target device such as LSD 204 using discovery service 508 by first establishing a communication channel between remote computing device 510 and LSD 204. The communication channel can be established by remote computing device 510 sending a discovery request 516 to discovery service 508 requesting discovery information for target device LSD 204. Such discovery information can include target device location information, target device current operating status information, target device current parametric information, etc. In response to the discovery request, discovery service 508 can forward a discovery server response 518 that includes the appropriate target device discovery information back to the requesting device (i.e., remote computing device 510).

Once remote computing device 510 has received the appropriate target discovery information regarding target device LSD 204, then as shown in FIG. 5B, remote computing device 510 can establish a communication channel between target device LSD 204 (using HD 104 as a conduit) that includes at least network link 228. Once the communication channel has been established between target device LSD 204 and remote computing device 510, then remote computing device 510 can remotely invoke any number and types of storage operations on target device LSD 204. Such operations can include, for example, reading, writing, and/or erasing data.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart detailing a process 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Process 600 begins at 602 by determining if a host device is in communication with a local storage device. By communication it is meant that the host device and local storage device have a capable communication channel established between them. By capable communication, it is meant that there is a physical connection established, a wireless connection established, or a logical connection established between the host device and the local storage device over which information can be passed. Once it has been determined that a capable communication path exists between the host device and the local storage device, then at 604 a determination is made if the local storage device has a pending LSD initiated event. By LSD initiated event it is meant an event unrelated to and independent of any host device or host device file system process. If at 604, it is determined that there is no pending LSD initiated event, then the process 600 ends, otherwise a 606 a determination is made whether or not the host device in continuously polling the local storage device. If the host device is not polling the local storage device, then the local storage device generates a LSD logical request at 608 that includes information related to the pending LSD initiated event and at 610 the local storage device throws up an interrupt flag associated with the LSD logical request. At 612, the host device responds to the interrupt flag.

Returning to 606, if the host device is continuously polling the local storage device, then at 614, the local storage device responds to the host device polling with an LSD polling response that includes information related to the pending LSD initiated event. At 616, the host device responds to the LSD polling response.

FIG. 7 illustrates a process 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Process 700 begins at 702 by determining if a remote device wants to invoke an operation on a local target device. If affirmative, then at 704 a determination is made if the remote device sends a query to the discovery server in order to obtain target device information. If the remote device has determined that it does not need to query the discovery server, than at 706 the remote device contacts the local device. On the other hand, if the remote device has determined that discovery information for the target device is needed, than at 708 a determination is made whether or not the discovery server has the target device discovery information. If it is determined that the discovery server does not have the requested target device discovery information, then at 710 a determination is made whether or not a registration server has the requested target device information. If it is determined that the registration server does not have the requested target device information, then process 700 ends. Otherwise, the registration server forwards the requested target device discovery information to the discovery server at 712. Returning back to 708, if the discovery server has determined that it has the requested target device discovery information, then at 714, the remote device sends a discovery information request to the discovery server and at 716 the discovery server provides the requested target device discovery information. At 706, the remote device contacts the target device and at in any case, at 718 the target device responds to the remote device.

FIG. 8 provides a context of the invention where a media network 800 as a specific configuration of network 226 includes a number of media devices such as media players. In this example, computing system 200 can be a media player 100 arranged to store a number of digital media items (such as video, audio possibly as MP3 files, etc.). Network 800 can include distributed communications 802 configured as either or both a wired network 804 and a wireless network 806. In the described embodiment, wired data network 802 pertains to some portion of the World Wide Web. Personal computer 806 can couple to wired network 802 (which in this case is connected to computing system 100 by way of a USB cable at second interface ). Wireless data network 804 can also couple to wired data network 802. Wireless data network 804 can include one or more wireless data networks, such as cellular networks, WiFi networks, WiMAX networks, etc.

Media network 800 includes central media server 808 that stores or has access to numerous media items. In addition, network 800 supports one or more additional computing systems 810 configured as network devices that can take the form of portable media devices such as portable media player 200, 810, 812 and 814 some of which can be configured as having only legacy mass storage while others can be configured as computing system 200 shown in FIG. 2. Any of the portable media devices 200, 810, 812 and 814 can communicate with personal computer 806 over wired link 816 or wireless link 818. As an example, wired link 816 can correspond to a cable (e.g., USB cable) that, if available, can interconnect portable media device 810 to personal computer 806. Wireless link 818 can be provided by a wireless capability, such as Bluetooth, infrared, etc. Typically, the portable media device 810 would be capable of communicating with personal computer 806 using either wired link 816, wireless link 816, or both.

Portable media device 814 can couple to the wireless data network 804 over a wireless link 820. Similarly, portable media device 812 can couple to wireless data network 804 over a wireless link 822. In this regard, portable media devices 814 and 812 can access central media server 808 via wireless data network 804. In addition, portable media devices 810, 812 and 814 can wirelessly access each other, thereby exchange media item data between portable media devices.

Computing system 200 can take the form of a media device that can pertain to portable media players such as MP3 players as well as wireless device such as mobile phones that can include LSD 204 and HD 202. These mobile devices can include a media management application on the host computer that operates on the mobile device. Given the portability of mobile devices, mobile devices are smaller and have fewer resources (e.g., storage capacity). Consequently, a media management application designed for use on a mobile device can offer less features and capabilities than would a counterpart media management application operating on a larger, more powerful computing device, e.g., a personal computer. Given that the mobile devices have wireless access to central media server 808, the mobile devices can interact with media server 808 to request and/or receive media item data (or other data). In this regard, a media management application operating on the mobile devices can communicate with the media server 808 to perform various tasks, including: navigating available media content at the server (such as navigation of a media store), receiving a periodic delivery of media content to media devices (such as a daily pushing of media item data from a server to a media device), etc.

FIG. 9A shows a system 900 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention suitable for securely distributing and consuming protected digital content. System 900 includes HD 202, LSD 204, and digital content server 902 arranged to store digital content 904. Digital content 904 can include protected or un-protected digital content. There are many schemes used to protect digital content, many of which fall under, Digital Rights Management, or DRM, (an umbrella term that refers to access control technologies used by publishers and copyright holders to limit usage of digital media or devices). A particular DRM scheme usually defines at least a protected digital content (PDC) acquisition method (which in the case of separate delivery amounts to a RO acquisition method) and at least a protected digital content consumption method that allows for secure enforcement of any usage/access restrictions (that can include a RO enforcement method). In parallel to defining a secure PDC acquisition and a secure PDC consumption methods, content providers usually prescribe a set of robustness rules to define the what is meant by ‘secure’. This usually includes secure storage prescriptions that describe by which mechanisms (i.e., software or hardware) should the protected digital content be locally stored so as to avoid unauthorized use and or access. In the context of this discussion, it is presumed that for any given DRM scheme, the LSD is at least compatible with any required secure storing prescriptions called out by the content provider.

In conventional systems, HD 202 must include a specific DRM program that would be required in order for protected digital content 904 to be distributed and ultimately consumed by an end user. In the prior art, this is usually achieved by integrating in the mass storage path some DRM-specific application able to handle the DRM-specific content, so as to ensure content/associated ROs are consumed in an authorized manner. The assumption here is that for a given DRM scheme, the LSD is at least compatible with the required ‘secure storing prescriptions’ However, the invention does not require HD 202 to integrate any specific DRM module/application with the HDFS or HD since any digital content received from digital content server 902 and stored at LSD 204 retains all restrictions and therefore requires no additional DRM-specific agent to be integrated in the mass storage path. In the described embodiment, storage array 238 can be logically arranged to include mass storage area 908 managed by HDFS 208 using the mass storage path and to include HDFS invisible storage area 910. By being invisible to HDFS 208, it is meant that HDFS 208 does not manage invisible storage area 910. In this way, HDFS 208 is not aware of any storage operation performed at or content stored in invisible storage area 910.

During operation, HD 202 determines if mass storage area 908 includes any pre-loaded protected digital content 912. Such pre-loaded protected digital content can include for example, proprietary digital files, such as digital music files, digital video files, digital media files related to, for example, advertising, and so on. If HD 202 determines that there is no pre-loaded protected digital content 912 stored in mass storage area 908, then LSD 204 can prompt HD 202 to establish communication path 914 between LSD 204 and digital content server 902. (It should be noted that digital content server 902 can prompt HD 202 to establish communication path 914.) Once communication path 914 has been established, HD 202 is no longer involved except to maintain communication path 914. LSD 204 and digital content server 902 can logically interact over communication path 914 without further intervention by HD 202 (except to maintain communication path 914). As part of the logical interaction, either digital content server 902 or LSD 204 can initiate an authentication session between remote digital content server 902 and LSD 204 in order for both LSD 204 and remote digital content server 902 to authenticate each other.

Once the authentication session has been successfully completed (i.e., LSD 204 and digital content server 902 have been authenticated), LSD 204 and digital content server 902 can resume the logical interaction over communication path 914. More generally, any protected digital content acquisition mechanism can be implemented so as to satisfy content providers' security requirements. One example of such an acquisition mechanism, in the case of OMA (Open Mobile Alliance) DRM would be the Rights Object Acquisition Protocol (ROAP). As part of the logical interaction, either LSD 204 can initiate a transfer of protected digital content 904 (that can include only Rights Objects, for example) from remote digital content server 902 to LSD 204 or digital content server 902 can initiate the transfer of protected digital content from digital content server 902 to LSD 204. In any case, once protected digital content 904 is received, controller 236 can securely store protected digital content 904 in memory array 238 In some cases, controller 236 can store protected digital content 904 in mass storage area 908. However, since any data stored in mass storage area 908 is visible to HDFS 208, then any such data can be encrypted. However, if controller 238 stores protected digital content 904 in invisible area 910, then no such encryption is necessary. For example, the secure storing of the protected digital content formed of digital content and corresponding rights objects (RO) can be accomplished by storing both the content and ROs in the HDFS invisible area or that encrypted content is stored in the visible partition while the corresponding ROs are stored in the invisible partition, and so on.

As shown in FIG. 9B, controller 236 can be logically arranged to include digital content streaming server 916. Digital content streaming server 916 can read any digital content (including pre-loaded digital content) stored in memory array 238. Digital content streaming server 916 can organize any data read from storage array 238 into data stream 920. Data stream 920 can include, for example, at least one data packet 922 that can be formed of a header and payload well known to those in the art. In some cases, data packet 922 can be encrypted. LSD 204 can prompt HD 202 to establish streaming channel 924 over which data packet 922 can be transported in the form of data stream 920. Streaming channel 924 can be a secure channel or un-secured channel as per original content provider requirements. In the case where data packet 922 is encrypted, additional protection against unauthorized use can be implemented by passing encrypted data packet 922 over secure channel 924. Another feature of the invention includes the ability of the LSD to interpret and enforce the protected digital content usage/access restrictions (e.g. decrement ROs) when servicing external agent 926 using for example, authorization server 928. In this way, since the LSD enforces any restrictions, any player or other such application can be a legacy application.

It should be noted that the channel can be an unsecure channel (i.e., players that are not authenticated can play the digital content such as in a mobile environment) in which case usage restrictions could be applied by the LSD (e.g. play twice or play from January 1^(st) etc.). Alternatively, the channel can be a secure channel (i.e., there is a mutual authentication in that, for example, the player credentials can be recognized by the streaming server) in which case the LSD can also enforce ‘access restrictions’ (e.g. only a given authorized player can play the content). Typically, in a mobile environment, an unsecure channel is often sufficient in terms of security and other considerations while retaining the advantages inherent in a DRM type system (such as the use of rights objects semantics). In this way, unlike the prior art, the invention provides the ability to link between closed/proprietary DRM systems and the world of legacy players without being obligated to integrate proprietary software into the HD platform while still maintaining most, if not all, of the content provider restrictions.

External agent 926 arranged to process data packet 922 can be located either remotely as external agent 926-1, or locally as local agents 926-1. For this example, local agent 926-2 can be located in HD 202. Remote agent 926-1 can receive data packet 922 by way of streaming channel 924. In a particularly useful embodiment, remote agent 926-1 can be an authorized agent. By authorized it is meant that remote agent 926-1 possesses the appropriate credentials to successfully process data packet 922 (encrypted or not). The appropriate credentials can be acquired in any number of ways well known to the art. Authentication and authorization server 928 for example can provide the appropriate credentials required to process data packet 922. Such servers can be located remotely (such as in network 226 or another local device) or located locally such as server 928. In the described embodiment, credentials for application 926 can be acquired off-band. Local authentication/authorization server 928 can enforce (e.g. decrement) any usage/access restrictions. In any case, when an access restriction is enforced by the LSD, only those agents possessing the appropriate credentials can process data packet 922. In this way, a provider of protected digital content can be assured that any protected digital content will be available to only those users having the appropriate credentials. In the most likely embodiment, application 926, would take the form of a local digital media player/renderer running in HD 202 and compliant with streaming standards (e.g. RTP/RTSP). Application 926 would therefore be able to play/render protected digital content without requiring the addition of any DRM software in HD 202. Also, most likely, no additional security can be required for agent 926 in a mobile environment thereby enabling the use of legacy players in which case, if there is not mutual server/player authentication, only usage restrictions can be enforced by the LSD.

In this way, the invention provides a solution for secure distribution and consumption of protected digital content. Advantageously, the protected digital content can be locally stored under user control while concurrently having the widest acceptance by legacy players/platforms (i.e. no need to add or integrate additional software) while still remaining compatible with ‘state of the art security’ in order to satisfy content provider requirements.

FIG. 10 shows a representative system 1000 illustrating additional components typically found in host device 204. System 1000 includes central processing unit (CPU) 1010, random access memory (RAM) 1020, read only memory (ROM) 1030, and primary storage devices 1040 and 1050. As is well known in the art, ROM 1030 acts to transfer data and instructions uni-directionally to the CPU 1010, while RAM 1020 is used typically to transfer data and instructions in a bi-directional manner. CPU 1010 may generally include any number of processors. Both primary storage devices 1040 and 1050 may include any suitable computer-readable media. CPUs 1010 are also coupled to one or more input/output devices 1060 familiar to those of skill in the computer hardware and software arts.

In the described embodiment, mobile devices (e.g., portable media devices) can communicate with one another. This type of communication can be referred to as peer-to-peer interaction. In this regard, one mobile device can communicate (e.g., unicast) directly with another mobile device. In another example, one mobile device can communicate (e.g., broadcast, anycast or multicast) to a plurality of other mobile devices. In the peer-to-peer environment, one mobile device can communicate with one or more other electronic devices (whether mobile or stationary) in the immediate vicinity. Data sharing can be performed when such communication is available.

Data transfer could be between a mobile device and a computing device, such as a home computer or another mobile device. Typically, the mobile device and the computing device would be associated with a particular user. For example, when the mobile device is within range of a home computer (or a home network), data transfer can be performed between the mobile device and the home computer. Data transfer could also be between two or more mobile devices, or between two or more non-mobile devices. The data transfer can be automatic without any user action or can alternatively require manual approval by a user. The network devices can be associated with one another via an identification number or other suitable mechanism.

A mobile device or non-mobile device capable of receiving, transmitting and/or storing data may be referred to as a “data device.” The manner by which the data arrives at the data device can depend upon implementation. For example, the data can be directly transferred to the data device, or the data can be indirectly transferred to the data device. For example, the data transfer can be between one data device to another data device. Alternatively, one data device can cause another data device to transfer desired data to a recipient data device.

The shared data can be transferred to a recipient device by file transfer or streaming. The data transferred can be received by one or more data devices. Examples of data devices include a media player, PDA, a speaker unit, a wireless transmitter/receiver unit, etc. Users of data devices can also create and distribute content through data sharing. The streaming can be limited so as to restrict the number of data devices simultaneously receiving the data. On the other hand, if the users of the data devices are subscribers to the streaming content (i.e., have a subscription), then the streaming can be unlimited as to subscribers. Storing some portion of the media item content associated with the media item metadata may also be done to facilitate the streaming of media item content. For example, a user could begin playing such a previously stored portion of the media item content before streaming of the remaining content even begins.

Data can be shared after being purchased. For example, a recipient could purchase data from a remote server. The remote server would then cause the purchased data to be delivered to the recipient's data device. The purchase can be performed in real-time or can be deferred until a later point in time. Thereafter, the purchased data can be shared from the recipient's data device to another data device.

For example, in the work environment or other network environment, as a user comes into an employer's office to work, the user's mobile device can transfer data to the user's work computer or to a network server for the office. The data transfer can be automatic without any user action or can alternatively require manual approval by a user. The user of the mobile device can also communicate with mobile devices of coworkers or other users of the network to exchange data.

Regardless of the particular environment, the data transfer can be wireless. The wireless data transfer can be facilitated by a wireless network. One mobile device could wirelessly transmit data in a unicast fashion from one mobile device to another mobile device or stationary computing device. Still further, one mobile device could wirelessly transmit data in a multicast or broadcast fashion to a plurality of other mobile devices. It should be noted that any home-server computer can reside on any of a number of other data storage devices in a network to which computing device 200 belongs.

The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is legacy devices can be added or removed without consideration of modifying system hardware. Another advantage of the invention is that it can be used with any host computer without modification therefore reducing the cost and increasing the applicability of the invention.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A method of acquiring and consuming protected digital content having at least one restriction attached thereto by a digital content provider in accordance with a DRM scheme, the method performed by a system that includes a local storage device (LSD) having a memory array, wherein the LSD is coupled with a host device (HD) having at least a host device file system (HDFS) arranged to manage at least a portion of the memory array, the method comprising: acquiring the protected digital content by the LSD; securely storing the acquired protected digital content in the memory array by the LSD, wherein the acquiring and the securely storing are each in accordance with the DRM scheme and neither are initiated by the HDFS; and consuming the protected digital content by, converting at least some of the securely stored protected digital content into a digital data stream, and streaming the digital data stream by the LSD, wherein if the digital data stream has the at least one restriction attached thereto that is a usage restriction, then the LSD enforces the usage restriction.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the protected digital content includes digital content and corresponding rights objects, and wherein the usage restriction includes preventing unauthorized copying of the protected digital content, or allowing a predetermined number of uses of the protected digital content.
 3. A method as recited in claim 2, wherein the memory array further comprises: at least a first portion managed by the HDFS that is visible to the HDFS and at least a second portion that is not managed by the HDFS and is invisible to the HDFS, and wherein the securely storing the protected digital content further comprises: storing encrypted digital content in the first portion of the memory array that is visible to the HDFS, and storing the rights objects corresponding to the digital content in the second portion of the memory array that is invisible to the HDFS.
 4. A method as recited in claim 2, wherein the securely storing the protected digital content further comprises: encrypting the protected digital content; and storing the encrypted protected digital content in the first portion of the memory array that is visible to the HDFS.
 5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein LSD streams the digital data stream to an agent external to the LSD, and wherein if the at least one restriction includes an access restriction, then the external agent can process the digital data stream only if the external agent is an authenticated external agent having access credentials acceptable to the first DRM scheme.
 6. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein the external agent resides in a second LSD connected to the HD by way of an interface.
 7. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein the external agent is a local digital media player renderer application running in the HD.
 8. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein the protected digital content is acquired from a remote device (RD) that is external to the HD and the LSD and that is included in a network.
 9. A method as recited in claim 8, further comprising: mutually authenticating the LSD and the RD prior to the acquiring of the protected digital content; and initiating the acquiring of the digital content by the LSD from the RD only when the mutual authentication is successfully concluded.
 10. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein the HD further comprises a network interface providing the HD access to a network.
 11. A method as recited in claim 10, wherein the acquiring the protected digital content further comprises: prompting the HD by the RD to use the network interface to establish a communication path between the LSD and the RD wherein once the communication path is established by the HD there is no further intervention by the HD except to maintain the communication path, or prompting the HD by the LSD to use the network interface to establish the communication path between the LSD and the RD wherein once the communication path is established by the HD there is no further intervention by the HD except to maintain the communication path; and logically interacting over the communication path by the LSD and the RD, wherein the logical interaction is invisible to the HD.
 12. A method as recited in claim 11, wherein the logical interaction includes a RD command that causes the RD to send the protected digital content from the RD to the LSD and that compels the LSD to store the protected digital content in the memory array, or wherein the logical interaction includes a LSD command that causes the LSD to request that the RD send the digital content from the RD to the LSD.
 13. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein the converting at least some of the securely stored protected digital content into the digital data stream comprises: reading the protected digital content from the memory array; and arranging the protected digital content read from the memory array into at least one data stream.
 14. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein the streaming the protected digital content from the memory array by the LSD comprises: forming a streaming channel; and streaming the protected digital content over the streaming channel.
 15. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein if the DRM requires that the streaming channel be a secure streaming channel, then forming the secure streaming channel; and streaming the protected digital content over the secure streaming channel.
 16. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the protected digital content is a digital media file that includes a MP3 audio file and/or a video file.
 17. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the system is arranged to concurrently acquire and consume other protected digital content that has at least one restriction attached thereto in accordance with another DRM scheme.
 18. Computer program product for acquiring and consuming protected digital content having at least one restriction attached thereto by a digital content provider in accordance with a DRM scheme, the computer program product executed by a processor included in a system that includes a local storage device (LSD) having a memory array, wherein the LSD is coupled with a host device (HD) having at least a host device file system (HDFS) arranged to manage at least a portion of the memory array, the computer program product comprising: computer code for acquiring the protected digital content by the LSD; computer code for securely storing the acquired protected digital content in the memory array by the LSD, wherein the acquiring and the securely storing are each in accordance with the DRM scheme and neither are initiated by the HDFS; computer code for consuming the protected digital content by converting at least some of the securely stored protected digital content into a digital data stream, and streaming the digital data stream by the LSD, wherein if the digital data stream has the at least one restriction attached thereto that is a usage restriction, then the LSD enforces the usage restriction; and computer readable medium for storing the computer code.
 19. Computer program product as recited in claim 18, wherein the protected digital content includes digital content and corresponding rights objects, and wherein the usage restriction includes preventing unauthorized copying of the protected digital content, or allowing a predetermined number of uses of the protected digital content.
 20. Computer program product as recited in claim 19, wherein the memory array comprises at least a first portion managed by the HDFS that is visible to the HDFS and at least a second portion that is not managed by the HDFS and is invisible to the HDFS, and wherein the computer code for securely storing the protected digital content further comprises: computer code for storing encrypted digital content in the first portion of the memory array that is visible to the HDFS; and computer code for storing the rights objects corresponding to the digital content in the second portion of the memory array that is invisible to the HDFS.
 21. Computer program product as recited in claim 18, wherein LSD streams the digital data stream to an agent external to the LSD, and wherein if the at least one restriction includes an access restriction, then the external agent can process the received digital data stream only if the external agent is an authenticated external agent having access credentials acceptable to the DRM scheme.
 22. Computer program product as recited in claim 21, wherein the authorized external agent is a digital media player renderer application running in an device external to the HD.
 23. Computer program product as recited in claim 21, wherein the authorized external agent is a local digital media player renderer application running in the HD.
 24. Computer program product as recited in claim 18, wherein the digital content is acquired from a remote device (RD) that is external to the HD and the LSD included in a network, wherein at least a portion of the digital content is stored in the RD.
 25. Computer program product as recited in claim 24, further comprising: computer code for mutually authenticating the LSD and the RD prior to the acquiring of the protected digital content; and computer code for initiating the acquiring of the digital content by the LSD from the RD only when the mutual authentication is successfully concluded.
 26. Computer program product as recited in claim 25, wherein the HD further comprises a network interface providing the HD access to a network, and wherein the first portion of the memory array is logically arranged to include at least one LBA mass storage area managed by the HDFS.
 27. Computer program product as recited in claim 26, wherein the receiving the digital content further comprises: computer code for prompting the HD by the RD to use the network interface to establish a communication path between the LSD and the RD wherein once the communication path is established by the HD there is no further intervention by the HD except to maintain the communication path, or computer code for prompting the HD by the LSD to use the network interface to establish the communication path between the LSD and the RD wherein once the communication path is established by the HD there is no further intervention by the HD except to maintain the communication path; and computer code for logically interacting over the communication path by the LSD and the RD, wherein the logical interaction is invisible to the HD.
 28. Computer program product as recited in claim 27, wherein the logical interaction includes a command that causes the RD to send the digital content from the RD to the LSD and that compels the LSD to store the digital content at the memory array, or wherein the logical interaction includes the LSD requesting that the RD send the digital content from the RD to the LSD.
 29. Computer program product as recited in claim 28, wherein the streaming the protected digital content comprises: computer code for reading the protected digital content from the memory array; computer code for arranging the protected digital content read from the memory array into at least one data stream.
 30. Computer program product as recited in claim 29, wherein the streaming the protected digital content from the memory array by the LSD comprises: computer code for forming a streaming channel; and computer code for streaming the protected digital content over the streaming channel.
 31. Computer program product as recited in claim 30, wherein if the DRM requires that the streaming channel be a secure streaming channel, then computer code for forming the secure streaming channel; and computer code for streaming the protected digital content over the secure streaming channel.
 32. Computer program product as recited in claim 18, wherein the protected digital content is a digital media file.
 33. Computer program product as recited in claim 32, wherein the digital media file is a MP3 audio file or a video file.
 34. A system for acquiring and consuming protected digital content having at least one restriction attached thereto by a digital content provider in accordance with a DRM scheme, comprising: a host device (HD) having at least a host device file system (HDFS); and a local storage device (LSD) coupled with a host device (HD) that includes a memory array at least a portion of which is managed by the HDFS, wherein the LSD acquires and securely stores the protected digital content in the memory array, wherein the acquiring and the securely storing are each in accordance with the DRM scheme and neither are initiated by the HDFS, and wherein the protected digital content is consumed by converting at least some of the securely stored protected digital content into a digital data stream and streaming the digital data stream by the LSD, wherein if the digital data stream has the at least one restriction attached thereto that is a usage restriction that prevents unauthorized copying of the protected digital content, then the LSD enforces the usage restriction.
 35. A system as recited in claim 34, wherein the protected digital content includes digital content and corresponding rights objects, and wherein the usage restriction includes preventing unauthorized copying of the protected digital content, or allowing a predetermined number of uses of the protected digital content.
 36. A system as recited in claim 35, wherein the memory array comprises at least a first portion managed by the HDFS that is visible to the HDFS and at least a second portion that is not managed by the HDFS and is invisible to the HDFS, and wherein the securely storing the protected digital content further comprises: storing encrypted digital content in the first portion of the memory array that is visible to the HDFS; and storing the rights objects corresponding to the digital content in the second portion of the memory array that is invisible to the HDFS.
 37. A system as recited in claim 35, wherein the securely storing the protected digital content further comprises: encrypting the protected digital content; and storing the encrypted protected digital content in the first portion of the memory array that is visible to the HDFS.
 38. A system as recited in claim 34, wherein LSD streams the digital data stream to an agent external to the LSD, and wherein if the at least one restriction includes an access restriction, then the external agent can process the received digital data stream only if the external agent is an authenticated external agent having access credentials acceptable to the DRM scheme.
 39. A system as recited in claim 38, wherein the authorized external agent is a digital media player renderer application running in an device external to the HD.
 40. A system as recited in claim 38, wherein the authorized external agent is a local digital media player renderer application running in the HD.
 41. A system as recited in claim 34, wherein the digital content is acquired from a remote device (RD) that is external to the HD and the LSD included in a network.
 42. A system as recited in claim 41, further comprising: an authentication agent for mutually authenticating the LSD and the RD prior to the acquiring of the protected digital content and initiating the acquiring of the digital content by the LSD from the RD only when the mutual authentication is successfully concluded.
 43. A system as recited in claim 42, wherein the HD further comprises a network interface providing the HD access to a network.
 44. A system as recited in claim 43, wherein the acquiring the protected digital content further comprises: prompting the HD by the RD to use the network interface to establish a communication path between the LSD and the RD wherein once the communication path is established by the HD there is no further intervention by the HD except to maintain the communication path, or prompting the HD by the LSD to use the network interface to establish the communication path between the LSD and the RD wherein once the communication path is established by the HD there is no further intervention by the HD except to maintain the communication path; and logically interacting over the communication path by the LSD and the RD, wherein the logical interaction is invisible to the HD.
 45. A system as recited in claim 44, wherein the logical interaction includes a RD command that causes the RD to send the protected digital content from the RD to the LSD and that compels the LSD to store the protected digital content in the memory array, or wherein the logical interaction includes a LSD command that causes the LSD to request that the RD send the digital content from the RD to the LSD.
 46. A system as recited in claim 45, wherein the streaming the protected digital content comprises: reading the protected digital content from the memory array; arranging the protected digital content read from the memory array into at least one data stream.
 47. A system as recited in claim 46, wherein the streaming the protected digital content from the memory array by the LSD comprises: forming a streaming channel; and streaming the protected digital content over the streaming channel.
 48. A system as recited in claim 47, wherein if the DRM requires that the streaming channel be a secure streaming channel, then forming the secure streaming channel; and streaming the protected digital content over the secure streaming channel.
 49. A system as recited in claim 34, wherein the protected digital content is a digital media file.
 50. A system as recited in claim 49, wherein the digital media file is a MP3 audio file or a video file.
 51. A computing system, comprising, a host device (HD) having at least a host device file system (HDFS) and a LSD driver; a local storage device (LSD) having at least one storage area managed by the HDFS; and a requesting application external to the LSD and in communication with the HD, wherein the requesting application does not utilize any communication paths with either the HDFS or the LSD driver, and wherein the requesting application compels the LSD to read at least some of the data stored in the at least one storage area without intervention by the HDFS, and wherein the LSD then streams the data read from the at least one storage area to an external application.
 52. A computing system as recited in claim 51, wherein the external application is the requesting application.
 53. A computing system as recited in claim 52, further comprising: forwarding the data received by the requesting application from the LSD to a second external application.
 54. A computing system as recited in claim 51, wherein the data read from the at least one storage area is protected digital content having at least one restriction attached thereto by a digital content provider in accordance with a DRM scheme.
 55. A computing system as recited in claim 54, wherein the LSD streams the protected digital content read from the at least one storage area to the external application by converting the protected digital content read from the at least one storage area into a digital data stream having the at least one restriction attached thereto, wherein if the at least one restriction attached to the digital data stream is a usage restriction, then the LSD enforces the usage restriction.
 56. A computing system as recited in claim 55, further comprising: forwarding the data received by the external application from the LSD to a second external application. 